KARACHI:
Proper sanitary conditions are crucial for ensuring good health and hygiene. In Pakistan, public toilets are in an extremely poor state. It not only leaves a bad impression on foreign tourists using public toilets around the country, but it also acts as a hurdle for the locals. There is also an absence of public toilets in major parts of highly populated cities — something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Much of the time, people end up using toilets at restaurants because they are more likely to be clean and easily accessible.
Most public toilets lack proper water supply and drainage systems, which makes it difficult to use them. An absence of proper sanitary conditions can be linked to the growing rate of diseases amongst the people. Most of the people affected by Covid-19 belong to the lower classes. This indicates how lack of sanitation facilities has added to the burden on healthcare. Cleanliness is important for good health and the development of people. Unhygienic conditions impact the immune system and increase the chances of contracting dangerous diseases.
The surge in coronavirus cases signals the need for more precautions. An important precautionary measure would be the provision of public toilets. In addition, steps must be taken to ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of the public toilets. Good sanitary conditions will aid long term public health care. The waste from toilets can be used as fertilizers in public parks or agricultural lands. Creating such a system that maintains hygienic conditions of public toilets and utilizes the waste for different purpose will be extremely beneficial in the long-run.
Ragni Lund
Sindh
Published in The Express Tribune, September 14th, 2021.
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